Rare plants found on coast

The project, which has recently completed its first phase, has documented the spread of the rare Red Hemp-Nettle, which has been recorded at several sites along the East Sussex coast. Until recently this plant was considered nationally scarce, so these findings give an indication that its fortunes may be starting to change.

The Shingle Project uncovered other interesting species in quite unexpected places such as patches of the nationally scarce Sea Heath at Seaford, the presence of shingle plants along the beaches of Bexhill and Hastings and confined shingle communities at Eastbourne and Fairlight.

Many of the beaches surveyed have shown some level of vegetation cover and most have shown a real potential for the future development of floral communities.

Having recorded this information, the next stages of the project are to analyse the data and produce a shingle beach management plan for the County.

Since work began, individuals, community groups and other volunteer organisations have been helping with the project.

Over 70 volunteers attended training days on carrying out the shingle vegetation surveys. Around 380 surveys have been carried out covering approximately 38 kilometres of coastline.

Shingle Officer, Tim Smith said: "I couldn't be happier with the way that local communities have met the challenge to protect and improve our shingle beaches. It's always very gratifying to witness people's appreciation of their natural surroundings, and the willingness of those same people to give their free time in the fight to protect our precious environmental resources."

Anyone wishing to learn more about vegetated shingle or become involved in continuing to protect this rare and beautiful ecosystem can contact Tim Smith on 01273 482 015, or write to: Tim Smith, East Sussex County Council, Transport & Environment, County Hall, St Anne's Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UE.